CBU basketball returns to AUS action versus Acadia

By Corey LeBlanc

SYDNEY – Defense.

Veteran head coach Fabian McKenzie started with that one word when asked about keys to success for his Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers as they prepare to tip off the 2024 portion of their Atlantic University Sport (AUS) women's basketball regular season schedule.

"We have given up far too many points in the first term – both in transition and the half court," he explained.

McKenzie added, "The mindset of the team must change completely to one where stopping the opponent matters."

In a 4-5 start, the Capers surrendered 70 points per contest – the third worst in the conference.

McKenzie also noted the need for increased production from players other than the tandem of Kiyara Letlow (19.7 points) and Chermensa van la Parra (18.9), who rank third and fifth, respectively, in the AUS scoring race.

"Other people must step up and contribute on a consistent basis," McKenzie offered.

Letlow also leads the conference in rebounds per game, with 15.3, while van la Parra is fourth in three-pointers made (19).

The Capers will start their post-Christmas schedule on Friday, Jan. 5, at 6 p.m., with a home match-up versus the Acadia Axewomen. The rematch in the two-game weekend between the teams is set for Saturday, Jan. 6, at 4 p.m.

Both tilts will take place at Sullivan Fieldhouse on the Sydney campus.

The women's games will open a pair of doubleheaders featuring the men's teams taking the court in nightcaps on Friday (8 p.m.) and Saturday (6 p.m.).

"Acadia is a team that moves the ball well, rebounds and plays hard for 40 minutes. We need to match their compete level, and try to use our athleticism to our advantage," CBU men's head coach Matt Skinn said, when asked what his team will have to focus on to be successful versus the Axemen.

He also noted the importance of slowing down Glen Cox, who is leading the Axemen and AUS with 24.8 points per game.

"He can really put the ball in the hoop, so we will need a great effort to contain him," Skinn added.

In the 2023 portion of their AUS regular season, the Capers posted a 5-4 record.

"We like where we are right now. We are hoping to take care of business at home as the second half of the season opens up, and try to shake things up on the road as best we can," Skinn offered.

He anticipates that the battle for AUS playoff spots, including first round byes for the top two regular season finishers, will "come down to the final weekend of the year."

Skinn said, "We are hopeful to be there when it counts."

The Capers had the chance to tune up for that predicted competitive stretch drive with a pair of games between Christmas and New Year's at the 2023 Rod and Joan Shoveller Men's Basketball Tournament at Dalhousie University in Halifax.

In a Dec. 28 contest with the Calgary Dinos of the Canada West conference, CBU scored a hard-fought 95-89 victory.

Junior forward Tyson Cato, who ranks second in the AUS with 7.7 rebounds per game, led three Capers in double figures – with a game-high 28 points – while adding three rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots.

First-year CBU guard Shakael Pryce – who sits fifth in the conference with 19.3 points per game – finished the win with 20 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, along with a steal and blocked shot.

Pryce picked up where he left off in the launch of his AUS career, a stat line that includes a conference-best 20 steals, along with a third-best 35 assists. 

In the triumph over the Dinos, forward Mitchell Mersereau, a Sydney native, added 21 points and five rebounds. 

The Capers wrapped up the holiday tournament with a 90-86 loss to the Ontario Collegiate Athletic Association's St. Clair College Saints.

Pryce led CBU with a game-high 31 points, while adding eight rebounds, three assists and one steal.

Cato – who averages 15.2 points in AUS action – added 22 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal in the setback.

Aaron Cunningham and Mersereau also reached double digits, with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Ceejay Hanson collected a game-high 10 rebounds, while Cunningham added seven.

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